Undisputed World Champion at 154 Pounds possible in Jermell Charlo v Brian Castano
We may be on the verge of an undisputed champion in the junior middleweight division. According to Argentinian news source La Nancion, a meeting was held in Los Angles between Sebastian Contursi, manager of WBO 154-pound champion Brian Castano (17-0-1, 12 KOs), and the man behind the PBC, Al Haymon. At the center of their discussion was an effort to stage a fight between Castano and unified IBF, WBA, and WBC junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo (33-1, 19 KOs).
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Preliminary contracts have been drawn up. The target is either July 3 or July 10 in Texas on a card that would include current IBF/WBC World Welterweight champion Errol Spence. La Nancion also reports if the bout lands in Texas, it would be in the city of Houston, which is the hometown of Charlo. Nothing has been finalized, but indications are that a deal could be done sooner rather than later. On paper, the fight makes sense for multiple reasons.
MAKING THE FIGHT
Charlo has stated his goal is to become the undisputed world champion at 154 pounds. Castano has no fear of anyone in the junior middleweight division and would love an opportunity to make history. The fight also represents an interesting contrast in styles. Castano likes to pressure his opponents and fight on the inside. Charlo is more of an all-around fighter but prefers to engage at a distance. Who could impose their style and their will on the other if they were to meet?
Charlo v Castano on a fight card featuring Errol Spence is one of the biggest boxing events of the summer. With the likelihood of it happening in Texas, this also ensures a larger live audience. That means more money in terms of a live gate. Fans always clamor and call for the best to fight the best. This proposed bout for undisputed honors would certainly answer their requests.
Being an undisputed champion is an extreme rarity in boxing. Because of sanctioning body obligations, money demands, and the overall politics of the sport, it ’is something quite difficult to achieve. Claressa Shields has been able to do this at 154 and 160 within women’s boxing. The last male to accomplish this feat was Terence Crawford in 2017 when he became the undisputed world champion in the junior welterweight division.
Should this entire event become a reality, look for it to be aired on Fox Pay-Per-View. Stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for further developments.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
